404 NICHOLLS'S SEAMANSHIP AND NAUTICAL KNOWLEDGE
35. What is meant by a homogeneous cargo''
A cargo which is all of one kind, such as a complete cargo of grain,
coal, etc.
36. What are the mate's duties generally, in relation to the taking
in or discharging of cargo?
The mate usually gives the receipts for cargo when it is received
on board, and it is important that these should correctly specify the
quantity and condition. He should see that a correct account or
tally of the cargo is taken on the ship's behalf, and that its apparent
order and condition when received is duly noted. He should also see
that any instructions of the master relative to the stowing of the cargo
are duly earned out, and that when the cargo is a miscellaneous one
a record of the position which each part of the cargo occupies in the
hold is kept in the cargo book.
In the case of a dispute arising with respect to the tally, and it is
not possible to rectify it at the time, a note explaining the circumstances
should be made on the receipt.
37. Should cargo come on board in a bad or damaged condition, whafc
would you do?
Point the matter out to the shipper's representatives so that if
possible they may have it put right. Otherwise, give a receipt for it in
accordance with the facts. If not satisfied I should refuse to accept it.
38. You have nearly finished loading. Your ship has a list. How
can you tell whether she is down to her marks or not?
Drop a plumb bob over each side of the ship and measure the distance
between the upper edge of the deck line and the surface of the water.
Find the mean of these two measurements which will be your freeboard
at the time. Compare this with the freeboard certificate.
39. How would you stow a Heavy mineral cargo, such as manganese
ore?
Except in a ship specially designed for the trade, such as a "side
tank" or "wing tank" vessel, I should carry about one-third of it in the
'tween decks to moderate the stability.
Should not have too much weight in the ends of the ship, number
one hatch being trimmed aft, and the after hatch trimmed forward.
In the other hatches the ore is generally left higher amidships
than in the wings. The slope must be a reasonable one on account
of the possibility of shifting if it was heaped up too much.